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Co-Ed Legal Fraternity Mock Trial Team at Rutgers–Newark Law School Participates in National Competition

Newark, NJ – Five evening students from the Class of 2011 at Rutgers School of Law–Newark recently participated in the first national mock trial competition organized by Phi Alpha Delta, the largest co-ed legal fraternity in the United States. The competition, which attracted law schools from around the country, was hosted by the William S. Boyd School of Law at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The team consisted of Philip Abramson, Lina Franco, Maritza Rodriguez, Kelly Stoll, and Christine Phelan. They were coached in their death penalty case by Legal Research and Writing Instructor Kim Guadagno and Adjunct Professor John McMahon. Guadagno is a former U.S. Prosecutor and currently the Sheriff of Monmouth County and McMahon, who teaches Evidence at the law school, is the Chief Trial Attorney of the Essex County Public Defender’s Office. Both faculty members dedicated many hours to help the team prepare for the competition.

In addition to the mock trial competition, the Rutgers–Newark Phi Alpha Delta chapter, known as the Jackson Chapter, has engaged in several pro-bono and charity activities. Essentially defunct prior to last year, the chapter currently has more than 50 members.